Your hallway is one of the most overlooked areas of your home when it comes to interior design. However, the best hallway paint colors can transform this transitional space from purely functional to beautifully stylish. Whether you want to make a bold statement or create a cohesive look that ties the rest of your home together, your hallway deserves thoughtful attention.
This guide highlights seven excellent hallway paint color ideas and tips for choosing the right shade to spruce up your corridors. We’ll also include a section dedicated to preparing your hallway or entryway for the holiday season—a time when this space often takes center stage.
Why Your Hallway Deserves a Refresh
Hallways are often dismissed as simple passageways. However, they serve as important connectors between the more prominent rooms in your home. They’re also among the first spaces visitors see, especially if your hallway is part of your entryway. A well-designed hallway sets the tone for your home’s overall aesthetic.
In many homes, the hallway becomes a default color—the same shade as the nearest room or a generic white. While this approach is functional, it misses the opportunity to add character and style. With the right colors and finishes, you can elevate your hallway into a space that complements your home while offering its unique appeal.
1. Beige or Tan: Classic Neutrals for Warmth and Cohesion
Neutral shades like beige, tan, and clay are timeless favorites for hallway paint. These versatile hues work especially well when they harmonize with the flooring and the color schemes of nearby rooms. Neutral tones have the unique ability to unify various spaces, seamlessly tying together adjacent rooms while creating a cohesive and inviting flow throughout your home.
Why Choose Neutral Shades? Neutral colors are versatile and timeless. They complement a variety of flooring types and wall art, making them a practical choice. Moreover, they help unify different rooms by acting as a background that doesn’t compete with bold furniture or décor.
Pro Tips for Beige and Tan Hallways:
Pair neutral walls with warm wood flooring or textured rugs for added depth. Use wall sconces or pendant lighting to create soft, flattering light that enhances the neutral palette.
Inspiration Shades:
Sherwin-Williams – Kilim Beige SW 6106 Benjamin Moore – Peau de Soie AF-60
2. Off-White: Understated Elegance
While your hallway may not be the centerpiece of your home, it doesn’t have to feel like a bland or sterile passageway. Off-white shades offer a refined alternative to plain white, bringing subtle elegance to this often-overlooked space. By incorporating a hint of black, brown, or even a touch of bright color into a base of white paint, you can achieve an off-white tone that adds sophistication and warmth to your hallway.
When opting for off-white walls, it’s essential to consider the ceiling as part of the overall design. Coordinating the ceiling color with the walls ensures a cohesive look and helps you estimate the amount of paint needed more accurately. To avoid a monochromatic appearance, introduce contrast by painting the ceiling in a bold or unexpected hue. This pop of color can inject personality into the space while complementing the understated elegance of off-white walls.
Adding Character to Off-White Walls:
Choose a satin or semi-gloss finish to reflect light and make the space feel larger. Paint the ceiling a complementary color or add crown molding for visual interest.
Inspiration Shades:
Sherwin-Williams – Westhighland White SW 7566 Benjamin Moore – Cream Froth OC-97
3. Cool Blues: Tranquility Meets Style
Blues are known for their ability to evoke calm and peaceful feelings, making them an excellent choice for hallways. This soothing color palette can set a tranquil tone, particularly as you wind down for the evening. Beyond their serene qualities, shades of blue—from soft, powdery hues to cool, crisp tones—can infuse your hallway with vibrancy, transforming it from a purely functional space into an artistic and inviting area.
Since hallways often lack natural sunlight, it’s best to choose lighter blue shades to keep the space feeling bright and open. Avoid deeper midnight blues in these areas, as they may make the space feel darker or more confined. Pair your chosen blue walls with white trim for a clean, crisp contrast that enhances brightness and creates a polished, harmonious look.
Tips for Cool Blues:
Light blue shades can make a dim hallway appear brighter. Pair blue walls with crisp white trim for a clean, classic look.
Inspiration Shades:
Sherwin-Williams – Lakeside SW 9683 Benjamin Moore – Baltic Sea CSP-680
4. Green: Nature’s Calming Influence
From soft seafoam to deep forest tones, green is a versatile color that brings personality and elegance to any space. For hallways, green is an excellent choice, as it introduces a natural, calming ambiance to your home. This is particularly impactful in homes where the hallway is visible from main living areas, seamlessly connecting different parts of your interior design.
The shade of green you choose can influence the mood of the space. Lighter greens offer a soothing and subtle elegance, while deeper greens can provide a bold contrast that highlights the uniqueness of the area. For added depth, consider mixing shades—use one tone for the walls and another for the trim. This layered approach can draw attention to architectural details, such as crown molding or wall recesses, creating a dynamic and visually appealing hallway.
Why Green Works in Hallways:
Light greens create an airy, tranquil feel, while darker greens add drama and depth. Green pairs beautifully with wood accents, like flooring or trim.
Inspiration Shades:
Sherwin-Williams – Kingston SW 9677 Benjamin Moore – Pale Vista 2029-60
5. Pastels: Soft and Subtle Statements
Pastel paints offer a delightful array of colors, all characterized by their soft and delicate finishes, no matter the hue. These shades, ranging from gentle yellows, pinks, and oranges to light blues, violets, and greens, evoke the playful charm of an Easter egg palette.
While pastel tones can pair beautifully with each other, they may not always integrate seamlessly into a cohesive whole-house color scheme. This makes them an excellent choice for tucked-away spaces like hallways, where they can bring a touch of brightness without disrupting the overall aesthetic. If your home leans towards neutral or muted tones, a pastel-painted hallway can add a refreshing pop of color. Opting for flat paint in pastel shades enhances their softness, creating a serene and understated look.
Best Uses for Pastels in Hallways:
Combine pastel walls with light-colored artwork or family photos for a personalized touch. Opt for flat or matte finishes to enhance the softness of pastel hues.
Inspiration Shades:
Sherwin-Williams – Demure SW 6295 Benjamin Moore – Peach Parfait 2175-70
6. Gray: Timeless Elegance
Gray tones are a timeless and versatile choice for hallways, offering both elegance and practicality. Their neutral quality allows them to seamlessly blend with various design styles while effectively concealing imperfections and fingerprints. The versatility of gray lies in its range of shades: lighter grays can make narrow hallways feel more spacious and open, while deeper tones add warmth and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Given the high traffic that hallways endure, it’s essential to choose a durable paint finish that can withstand wear and tear. Opt for eggshell or satin finishes, which not only provide a subtle sheen but are also easy to clean, making maintenance a breeze. When paired with the right finish, gray becomes a durable and stylish solution for a busy hallway, ensuring it remains fresh and functional with minimal effort.
Why Gray Stands Out:
Light grays can make a small hallway appear larger, while dark grays create a cozy, intimate vibe. Gray is excellent for high-traffic areas due to its ability to hide imperfections.
Inspiration Shades:
Sherwin-Williams – Magnetic Gray SW 7058 Benjamin Moore – Museum Piece CSP-40
7. Red: Bold and Vibrant Statements
If you’re looking to make a bold statement in your hallway, consider shades of red, such as burgundy, crimson, or wine. These rich, vibrant colors can instantly transform your space, whether you want to draw attention to the hallway or create a luxurious, energetic atmosphere.
While deep reds are often associated with formal dining rooms or sitting areas, they can bring a sense of opulence to any part of your home, particularly in spaces with defined boundaries rather than open floor plans. A deep red hue can add dramatic flair to long or wide hallways, turning the area into a striking conversation piece.
How to Use Red Effectively:
Use red as an accent wall or in a wide hallway to avoid overwhelming the space. Pair red walls with neutral or metallic accents for a balanced look.
Inspiration Shades:
Sherwin-Williams – Bold Brick SW 6327 Benjamin Moore – Million Dollar Red 2003-10
Sprucing Up Your Hallway or Entryway for the Holiday Season
The holiday season brings friends, family, and festivity into your home, making your hallway or entryway one of the most important spaces to prepare. Here are tips and ideas to make this area shine for the holidays:
1. Incorporate Festive Colors
If you’re open to repainting, consider festive colors like deep greens, rich reds, or warm metallics like gold or silver. These hues create an inviting, celebratory atmosphere.
2. Add Seasonal Décor
Even if you’re not repainting, you can still refresh your hallway with holiday décor:
Hang a seasonal wreath or garland along the walls. Use string lights to add warmth and sparkle. Incorporate holiday-themed artwork or a festive mirror.
3. Enhance Lighting
Brighten your hallway with warm, ambient lighting. Consider swapping out standard bulbs for warm white or soft yellow hues to create a cozy glow.
4. Focus on Entryway Details
Place a holiday-themed doormat at the entrance. Add a small bench or console table with a vase of seasonal flowers or ornaments. Use scented candles or diffusers with holiday-inspired scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla.
